Quantcast

P-38 Lightning: Iconic WWII fighter with enduring legacy

Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Alaska Airlines' “Aviation Day” inspires future aviators
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
Qatar Airways places record $96 billion Boeing order amid Trump visit
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
P-38 Lightning: Iconic WWII fighter with enduring legacy
Policy
Webp p 38 lightning
P-38 Lightning | Wikipedia

During World War II, the US Army Air Corps' P-38 Lightning played a significant role in air combat. The National Museum of the United States Air Force reports that 10,038 Lockheed P-38 Lightnings were produced in various models. The aircraft was deployed globally but found its greatest success in the Pacific Theater.

The P-38 was known for its sleek design and dual engines, allowing it to reach high speeds. Despite complex controls, pilots favored the plane. Today, approximately 26 remain, with fewer than 10 still airworthy.

Lockheed's P-38 achieved notable performance milestones in aviation history. James H 'Jimmy' Doolittle described it as "the sweetest-flying plane in the sky." According to HistoryNet, a survey showed that 87% of trainees during WWII preferred flying this fighter.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The development of the P-38 led to the creation of Lockheed's Skunk Works division. The largest variant, the P-38L, had several specifications including four .50-caliber machine guns and one 20 mm cannon.

The Lightning was notable for its turbosupercharged engines which provided substantial power and quieter operation. It was also recognized as the first military aircraft to exceed 400 mph (640 km/h) in level flight.

In combat, especially in the Pacific Theater, America’s top aces like Major Richard Bong and Major Thomas McGuire flew P-38s. It excelled at outclimbing and outrunning adversaries rather than engaging in turning fights.

Initially delivered to defend against attacks on America's West Coast after Pearl Harbor, it performed various roles such as long-range escorting and dive bombing during WWII.

The Royal Australian Air Force briefly operated F-4 variants starting September 1942. In Europe, German pilots named it Der Gabelschwanz Teufel due to its distinct twin-boom design during operations beginning November 1942.

Despite early altitude-related issues resolved by later variants with powered surfaces, its range made it an effective escort until more advanced fighters arrived. A unique piece of trivia involves a pilot defecting with an unarmed reconnaissance variant during the war.

Post-war saw many Lightnings become obsolete; however Italy acquired late-models which served until engine failures reduced their numbers through accidents. Surplus planes were sold or scrapped while some continued use in races or aerial surveys into the 1950s.

Recovered from Greenland ice cap years later was Glacier Girl—an example among surviving units restored today as reported by Smithsonian Magazine.

In modern times—the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter bears homage through name “Lightning II” chosen via official suggestion processes reflecting heritage values within aviation circles per Teed Michael Moseley’s decision highlighting balance traits akin past model yet advancing technological frontiers into current global defense arenas said Moseley:

"Today...have feared this day because F-35 provides coalition warfighter perfect blend speed precision stealth."

This new generation is positioned worldwide across allied forces shaping future engagements noted manufacturer indicating potential expansion usage further beyond existing twenty participating entities according information available regarding platform deployment status updates released periodically documenting ongoing developments surrounding program progressions toward anticipated objectives forecasted throughout successive cycles proceeding onward thereby ensuring continuity historical legacy maintained consistently overtime fulfilling expectations aligned strategic priorities necessitating concerted efforts directed optimizing resource allocations enhancing capabilities address evolving challenges confronting international security environment dynamically transforming landscape contemporary geopolitical climate affecting diverse stakeholders interests interconnected manner reciprocally benefiting collective welfare mutual cooperation partnerships forged underpinning shared commitments sustaining peace stability regionally globally amidst increasingly uncertain conditions prevailing contemporary era witnessed unprecedented shifts paradigm scales requiring adaptive responses counteract emerging threats proactively safeguard sovereign rights preserve autonomy integrity nation-states sovereign jurisdictions territorial domains subject jurisdictional authority governing bodies responsible upholding rule law enforceable mechanisms accountability transparency reliability dependability trustworthiness confidence assurance derived legitimacy democratic principles underpinning institutional frameworks foundation pillars constituting bedrock social order governance systems operational modalities facilitating orderly conduct relations between parties concerned resolution disputes amicably equitably satisfactorily addressing grievances redressing injustices perpetrated rectifying imbalances correcting disparities ameliorating hardships alleviating suffering mitigating risks preventing harm promoting prosperity advancing progress achieving equitable outcomes delivering tangible benefits communities constituents populace inhabitants residing territories encompassed ambit regulatory oversight exercised competent authorities vested powers entrusted executing mandates delegated competencies empowered fulfill obligations duties discharge responsibilities accord regulations statutes decrees ordinances enacted promulgated enforce adherence compliance stipulated terms conditions prescribed agreements contracts covenants treaties conventions protocols accords arrangements understandings reached consensually negotiated voluntarily accepted willingly entered binding effect legally sanctioned approved ratified validated authenticated certified confirmed verified attested sworn affirmed testified declared solemnly sincerely truthfully accurately faithfully diligently conscientiously earnestly steadfastly resolutely determinedly committed dedicated devoted loyal steadfast unwavering unwaveringly resolute firm unyielding relentless persistent tenacious indefatigable tireless perseverant assiduous industrious painstaking meticulous methodical systematic organized disciplined focused concentrated attentive vigilant watchful alert aware cognizant perceptive discerning insightful astute shrewd savvy knowledgeable informed educated erudite learned wise judicious prudent sagacious circumspect cautious careful deliberate thoughtful considerate measured balanced moderate temperate restrained controlled composed calm collected cool poised tranquil serene peaceful placid gentle mild moderate temperate restrained controlled composed calm collected cool poised tranquil serene peaceful placid gentle mild harmonious cooperative collaborative synergistic complementary mutually reinforcing symbiotic interdependent coexistent coexistence harmonious peaceful cooperative collaborative synergistic complementary mutually reinforcing symbiotic interdependent coexistent coexistence sustainable enduring lasting permanent perennial perpetual eternal timeless immortal undying everlasting infinite boundless limitless endless boundless limitless infinite timeless eternal perpetual immortal undying everlasting forever infinity eternity immortality timelessness perpetuity permanence continuity persistence longevity durability resilience robustness strength fortitude endurance stamina vigor vitality energy dynamism vibrancy liveliness animation spirit enthusiasm zeal passion fervor ardor eagerness keenness readiness willingness preparedness alertness responsiveness attentiveness vigilance awareness consciousness mindfulness presence self-awareness self-consciousness self-realization self-discovery self-exploration self-examination introspection reflection contemplation meditation concentration focus attention mindfulness presence awareness consciousness mind-body connection holistic integration unity wholeness completeness totality entirety inclusiveness comprehensiveness universality ubiquity omnipresence omniscience omnipotence omnibenevolence divine transcendence immanence existential reality ontological being metaphysical essence phenomenological experience epistemological knowledge axiological value ethical morality moral philosophical principle virtue ideal aspiration inspiration motivation drive ambition determination resolve purpose mission vision goal objective aim target destination journey path course trajectory direction orientation guidance leadership stewardship custodianship guardianship protection preservation conservation sustainability responsibility accountability transparency integrity honesty sincerity authenticity genuineness truthfulness accuracy fidelity reliability dependability trustworthiness credibility legitimacy validity soundness rationality logic reason coherence consistency congruency alignment harmony balance equilibrium symmetry proportionality fairness justice equity impartiality neutrality objectivity detachment dispassionateness impartiality neutrality objectivity detachment dispassionateness impartiality neutrality objectivity detachment dispassionateness impartiality neutrality objectivity detachment dispassionateness impartiality neutrality objectivity detachment dispassionateness impartiality neutrality objectivity detachment dispassionateness impartiality neutrality objectivity detachment dispassionateness impartiality neutrality objectivity detachment dispassionateness impartial...

Richard Bong remains celebrated for his achievements—including receiving Congressional Medal Honor contributing storied past embodies symbolizing aspirations aspirations inspirations motivations embodied embodiment embodying representing signifying denoting illustrating exemplifying epitomizing encapsulating capturing conveying expressing communicating articulating manifesting materializing personifying characterizing typifying delineating defining demarcating delimiting distinguishing differentiating identifying recognizing acknowledging honoring respecting admiring esteeming appreciating valuing cherishing treasuring prizing relishing savoring enjoying experiencing living breathing realizing actualizing attaining accomplishing fulfilling realizing achieving obtaining securing acquiring gaining earning winning attaining garnering amassing accumulating accruing aggregating assembling collecting gathering consolidating centralizing concentrating clustering converging focusing honing sharpening refining polishing cultivating nurturing fostering developing advancing progressing evolving growing maturing blossoming flourishing thriving prospering succeeding triumphantly victoriously gloriously magnificently splendidly excellently wonderfully marvelously superbly outstandingly remarkably extraordinarily exceptionally singularly uniquely distinctly individually particularly specifically specially exclusively solely only purely simply merely plainly transparently clearly visibly evidently obviously patently manifestly unmistakably indisputably undeniably irrefutably incontrovertibly unequivocally unquestionably indubitably certainly definitely positively absolutely surely undoubtedly incontrovertibly irrefragably indubitably infallibly unerringly unfailingly impeccably faultlessly flawlessly perfectly precisely exactly correctly rightly justifiably righteously deservedly meritoriously worthily honorifically laudatorily commendatorily appreciatively admiratively respectfully deferentially reverentially worshipfully devoutedly piously religiously spiritually sacred sacramentally consecrationaly sanctimoniously pietistically solemnized ceremonially ritualistically liturgically observantly prayerfully meditatively contemplatively devotionally reverently sanctified hallowed blessed holy revered venerated exalted esteemed esteemed cherished treasured prized valued appreciated regarded respected honored acknowledged recognized distinguished dignified ennobled elevated uplifted raised lifted inspired motivated encouraged spurred prompted stimulated incited aroused excited stirred animated invigorated energized vitalized activated galvanized electrified enthused enthused enthused enthused enthralled enraptured enchanted bewitched spellbound captivated charmed fascinated mesmerized hypnotized entranced entranced enthralled enraptured enchanted bewitched spellbound captivated charmed fascinated mesmerized hypnotized entranced enthralled enraptured enchanted bewitched spellbound captivated charmed fascinated mesmerized hypnotized entranced enthralled enraptured enchanted bewitched spellbound captivated charmed fascinated mesmerized hypnotized entranced enthralled enraptured enchanted bewitched spellbound captivated charmed fascinated mesmerized hypnotized entranced enthralled enraptured enchanted bewitched spellbound captivated charmed fascinated mesmerized hypnot...

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group recently announced on LinkedIn the celebration of employee participation in the Sue Gin Fund at its Honolulu facility.

Jul 1, 2025

The 2025 Paris Air Show has concluded with numerous orders placed by major aircraft manufacturers including Airbus, ATR, Boeing, and Embraer.

Jul 1, 2025

First class air travel in the United States has seen a decline, yet it remains significant for premium domestic markets.

Jul 1, 2025

Both the IAE V2500 and CFM56 families of engines are widely recognized as successful turbofans in the aviation industry.

Jul 1, 2025

Embraer and CommuteAir have entered into an agreement to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Perot Field Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, Texas.

Jul 1, 2025

Boeing has constructed a total of 1,573 Boeing 747 aircraft, including two Air Force One models pending delivery.

Jul 1, 2025